Leader Sykes recognizes April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month

House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) recognizes the month of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Officially observed in 2001, this year marks the 20th anniversary, but the sexual assault prevention movement has its roots dating back to the early-mid 1900s with Black women and Women of Color at the forefront. Sexual Assault Awareness Month is aimed to spread awareness about sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. This year, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center is promoting the education of digital consent and how to create a safe space online.

“Sexual assault continues to plague our society on a frequent basis but it doesn’t have to. This month is an opportunity for us to learn more about how to end sexual violence and to educate everyone about the importance of consent,” said Leader Sykes. “Awareness begins by recognizing where we are, where we need to go, and how we can support victims and survivors.”

To learn more about the history of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and how you can make a difference, visit https://www.nsvrc.org/saam.